Questions about Suboxone

How easy is it to get a prescription for Suboxone?  This has only been approved in Canada a couple of years ago and I'm trying to figure out how quickly my estranged husband can get in to get a prescription for this.  After years of opiate abuse that escalated to 80 percs a day plus about 4 oxy 80's, he has finally agreed to get help.  What is the protocol? Will the doctor order liver tests firsts?  Can any doctor prescribe it or does it have to be an addiction specialist?  Are there any side effects that we should be aware of?  And given the amounts of opiates he was on, what is the maximum dosage of Sub that he should be prescribed?  Can he still take anti-anxiety drugs while on Subs? ( like ativan )

Thanks in advance.  I'm quite excited that he has admitted that his pill use spiralled out of control and that he is willing to go on the Suboxone.  I never in a million years would've thought those words would come out of his mouth.  This is huge progress.

[Lewney2n]

Hi and welcome. Congrats to your husband for making the decision. I am personally unaware how Canadian laws work, however, I can share with you what I've learned in the last week from doing just that. If he is able to go to a detox center, even for out patient care it can be given to him there. The thing is that you have to be in withdrawals in order for it to take affect. He can remain on the anti-anxiety meds along with the subs. Does he go to a pain management doctor for his current meds? I can tell you from my own experience, and it's brand new to me as i'm only 6 days in, the suboxone seems like it's going to save my life. He won't be a slave to the pills any longer.

There are many people in this forum that have literally walked me through my detox process and gave me the support that I needed and i'm sure you will get alot of advice. Is a rehab center available for him to go in-patient?  Due to the amount that he is on it appears that the normal beginning dose will be around 3, 8mg tabs daily and then you taper off of that gradually.  I was on very similar meds and dosage as your hubby and my doc started me off on 1 1/2, 8mg tabs daily and I really don't think that is enough.

Hang in there and he will definately need your support through this process. But today he decided to "live"!! That's to be commended. It's going to be a tough road but it will be more bareable with the suboxone.  If you need to talk, please message me anytime as this is going to be a family process that will take some time. More experienced people will be on this forum again soon so check back frequently.  Good Luck & God Bless